Improvement in crates



A. M. SMITH.

Gr'atei No. 203,205. Patented April 30,1818.

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIcE.

ANDREW M. SMITH, OF DRUMMONDVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA.

l M PROVEM ENT IN CRATES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 203,205, dated April 30, 1878; application filed February 5, 1878.

To all whom it may concern:

Be known that I, ANDREW MURRY SMITH, of Drummondville, in the'county of Welland, Province of Ontario, Canada, have made certain Improvements in Grates for Fruit-Carry in g, of which the following is a specification:

This invention is intended for crates used in carrying peach-baskets, &c., and when the fruit-baskets are taken out the crates are returned to the shippers, sometimes free of charge, or at reduced rates, according to the room taken up, 850., the object of the invention being to reduce the bulk of the crates to be returned; and the invention consists in producing a device in which the sides and ends fold inward or otherwise, and together, and inclosing the separating pieces or partitions, and suitably fastening the whole together in a small compass, all as hereinafter fully explained.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation, in section, showing the fruit-baskets in two layers Fig. 2, an end view and Fig. 3, aside elevation, partly in section, showing the parts all folded together.

A represents the bottom of the crate B B, the two sides, both hinged at a a to either the bottom A or to short side pieces I). b. The ends 0 C (see Fig. 2) are hinged to the bottom A and folded down inwardly, as shown in Fig. 3, by means of hinges or their equivalents c c; then the side pieces B B fold down over them. Or the partition D is first set in over the ends 00, which are first folded down then the sides are folded down; then the top E, which is generally solid, while the sides, bottom, and ends are slats or open-work, is

put over all, as shown in Fig. 3.

Over the ends of the cover E are metal straps d d, their ends projecting down and over the side pieces B B. Through these ends is passed'a metal rod, f f, (see Fig. 2,) which also goes through the wooden side pieces B B, and the protruding end of the rod is confined by a nut or any other suitable fastenin g. The rod has also a head, for readily handling in putting it in or taking it out. When the crate is in use, filled with fruit-baskets, &c., the rod is in position, as shown inFig. 2; but when folded, as shown in Fig. 3, the straps d d project down, as shown, and the rods f are passed through and confine the whole.

The baskets are, of course, not returned to the shipper, only the crate.

The advantages of thus reducing the space occupied by these crates, and saving in room and also expense of freight, are obvious.

I do not confine myself to metal hinges, as many other devices can be used, like hooks, staples, leather, &c., to swing the sides and ends, and allow them to fold together. Neither do I claim the peculiar fastening by nuts, as

many other ways of holding the rods can be employed.

I claim- In combination with the top or bottom of a folding fruit-crate A B G E, the straps d d and fastening-rods f f, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

A. M. SMITH. Witnesses:

J. R. DRAKE, T. H. PARSONS. 

